WALKER, MI — Whether he was saving people's lives in emergency situations or dressing up as an elf at community Christmas celebrations, John English was ready to help wherever he was needed.

When he was on the clock as an EMT at Life EMS Ambulance, he made sure to comfort those who came under his care, friends said. But those close to English said the love and compassion he felt for friends and strangers alike was nearly unparalleled.

"I had a shoulder surgery, and he came to my house and took care of me," said Laura Szczepanek, a close friend of English. "Who did I trust to feed me and bathe me? John. He took care of everybody."

English reportedly dove into the water from a 37-foot Sea Ray after the boat had stopped on a trip from Muskegon to Grand Haven. He resurfaced from the dive but appeared to be struggling, and efforts of other passengers to get him a life ring failed.

The Walker resident and father of two worked as an emergency response technician and educator at Life EMS Ambulance, a Grand Rapids-based ambulance service covering eight Michigan counties.

In a statement, Life EMS Ambulance president Mark Meijer said English was a "passionate emergency services professional" who served the West Michigan community for 20 years.

"The accidental drowning of our long-time medic, educator and friend, John English, leaves us saddened beyond words," Meijer said in the statement. "John will be deeply missed."

English was also heavily involved in community activities, Szczepanek said. He was well known for donning an elf costume each year for annual Christmas parties in the Polish community, and was an avid volunteer in helping put on local Pulaski Day events each October.

He was well-loved throughout the community, Szczepanek said, and will be missed by all who knew him.

"Part of me is just hoping he will pop up and say, 'Here I am!'" she said. "It's such a tragedy."

A close friend of his told MLive a memorial service and Mass honoring English's memory is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Grand Rapids.